The world is fast catching on that Tasmania is a must-see destination with the Lonely Planet ranking our state fourth on its top 10 list of regions to visit in 2015.
Once again Tasmania is punching above its weight as the only destination in Australia and New Zealand to feature in the Best in Travel series.
The ranking is the best ever for Tasmania and is set to bring immeasurable global exposure with this annual list typically setting the world's travel itinerary for the next year.
Who wouldn't want to visit a region that's described by the Lonely Planet as: "Wild and dramatic, cultured and quirky, isolated yet accessible – the delivery of offerings from Tasmania's plate may require multiple helpings."
The latest accolade is a huge boost for our global tourism profile and confirms the experiences and services we offer are the best in the nation and among the best in the world.
Our state's profile will continue to grow next month when 80 of the world's most influential food writers and 200 of the nation's leading food and beverage personalities come to Tasmania for Restaurant Australia's Invite the World to Dinner gala event in Hobart.
The possibility of the Chinese President visiting a matter of days afterwards could also generate unprecedented international exposure for our state.
Increasing global exposure will help the Liberal Government reach our target of attracting 1.5 million visitors to Tasmania every year by 2020, which the industry says would create 8,000 new jobs.
More Media Releases from Will Hodgman
More Media Releases from the Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events